The Count Basie Orchestra
The world-renowned big band is a living symbol of the rich history of jazz – and still leading the swing world 90 years after its founding, according to “the Basie Way”.
The Count Basie Orchestra is one of jazz’s most iconic big bands and has continued to perform around the world, even 40 years after its founder, William “Count” Basie, passed away. Count Basie was born in 1904 and began his career as a pianist and organist. He soon started exploring his love for the blues and joined Benny Moten's orchestra before forming his own band in 1935 – The Count Basie Orchestra.
This big band has been one of the foremost representatives of Kansas City swing and contributed significantly to the big band era. Basie encouraged his musicians to compose and arrange music, which contributed to the unique sound and enduring success. Among the jazz greats who worked with Basie are Lester Young, Billie Holiday, and Joe Williams.
Since Basie's death in 1984, The Count Basie Orchestra has continued to perform under the leadership of Scotty Barnhart, with some members originally hired by Basie himself. The Count Basie Orchestra has been awarded 18 Grammy Awards and has performed for royalty as well as in numerous films and TV shows. The latest album, Basie Swings the Blues, won a Grammy in 2024. The Count Basie Orchestra remains a living symbol of jazz history.
It is now exactly 20 years since The Count Basie Orchestra last visited Konserthuset Stockholm (November 2004).
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Participants
- The Count Basie Orchestra
- Scotty Barnhart leader
